Full Breakdown
Trans Woman Eryka Caldwell Fatally Stabbed in Bushwick
5/20/2026, 4:45:41 AM
Fatal Attack Details
On Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, 41-year-old Eryka Caldwell was discovered dead in her Bushwick apartment after being stabbed multiple times and having her throat slashed. Police arrived after a 911 call reporting “Help me, he’s stabbing me.”
History of Abuse and Parties Involved
Eryka Caldwell, a transgender woman who moved from Kentucky to New York at 18, graduated from Bellevue University in January 2023 and posted on Instagram as a “Proud TS woman.” Her boyfriend, 38-year-old Jonathan Fernandez, has a criminal record dating to 2015, including at least 24 arrests for assault, robbery, burglary and drug offenses. Police reports show multiple domestic disputes: a January 2026 call led to Caldwell’s placement in shelters, and the couple moved into a Bushwick apartment in March 2026.
Charges, Prior Record, and Legal Status
Fernandez is charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors note his self-defense claim that Caldwell “started swinging a knife.” The District Attorney’s Office has sealed earlier domestic-incident filings. Fernandez’s record includes 24 prior arrests, the most recent in April 2024 for assault.
Witnesses and Immediate Response
Neighbors described the building as “very quiet” and heard screams before officers entered. Police reported difficulty accessing the front door and entered through a window. A 911 call captured the victim’s plea for help. Officers found Fernandez seated calmly on a couch while Caldwell lay on the kitchen floor.
Prosecutorial and Police Statements
Brooklyn prosecutors, led by Assistant District Attorney Tziyonah Langsam, filed murder and weapons charges and highlighted the self-defense narrative presented by Fernandez. Police statements confirmed the delayed entry and the discovery of the knife inside the apartment.
Criticism of Domestic-Violence Response
Contessa Caldwell criticized the response, noting that Fernandez “did not get locked up” after prior arrests and that her sister was moved between shelters despite ongoing threats.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources confirm Caldwell’s death by stabbing and throat slash, but they differ on the immediate trigger and on Fernandez’s demeanor. Some reports describe him as “calmly” seated, others as “lounging” on the couch. The motive for the attack remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She tried to find the good in everybody,” — Contessa Caldwell, sister
- “Help me, he’s stabbing me,” — Eryka Caldwell (911 call)
- “The victim started swinging a knife, so the defendant swung the knife too and hit the victim first,” — Assistant District Attorney Tziyonah Langsam
- “If there was just a monster or evil, she still tried to find the smallest good in that person,” — Contessa Caldwell
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Fernandez’s arraignment occurred on May 18, 2026; his attorney requested a psychological evaluation. He remains detained at Rikers Island, with a further hearing set for May 22, 2026.
